Disposable Sock with Liquid Impermeable Inner Sole

ABSTRACT

This invention relates generally to a disposable sock with an inner liquid impermeable layer on the portion that covers the sole of the foot, and a breathable outer layer that encases the liquid impermeable layer and encases the remaining portion of the foot. The characteristics of the present invention increase circulation in the foot, aid in the absorption of a multitude of compounds, including lotions, ointments, or therapeutics to the foot, while minimizing bacterial growth, are cost efficient, lightweight and easy to use.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/038,445 filed Mar. 21, 2008.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates generally to a disposable sock with an innerliquid impermeable layer on the portion that covers the sole of thefoot, and a breathable outer layer that encases the liquid impermeablelayer and encases the remaining portion of the foot. The characteristicsof the present invention increase circulation in the foot, aid in theabsorption of a multitude of compounds, including lotions, ointments, ortherapeutics to the foot, while minimizing bacterial growth, are costefficient, lightweight and easy to use.

2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

A multitude of socks have been patented to address various maladies ofthe foot. For instance, some patents are directed to improving thecirculation of the foot only, which is has healthful benefit to thosewith certain conditions such as diabetes (U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,207,961 and6,606,750). Meanwhile, other prior art describe articles that increaseabsorption of therapeutics through the skin (U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,664,087,6,792,701 and 5,682,617; and U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/590,444). Specifically, the '444 application describes an article tobe worn on the skin that has a liquid-impermeable layer with an outerfibrous layer. While this document describes use as a way to exacerbatethe absorption compounds to the skin, the article does not discuss theadded benefit, and need for some users to increase circulation at thesame time.

Presently, no sock has been developed that is disposable, costeffective, breathable, lightweight, increases circulation, and aids inthe absorption of compounds to the foot. As will be seen from thesubsequent description, the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention overcomes these and other shortcomings of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various issues associated with the skin or tissue of the foot maydiminish the health and or hygiene of a person. For example, dryness ofthe foot is a common problem, especially where the skin is exposed tocold or dry conditions. This may be especially true for olderindividuals. There are many compounds designed to alleviate thisproblem. Many of these compounds require a substantial period of time tobecome effective. Additionally, many compounds only give the userbenefit for a short period of time after application. The presentinvention enhances absorption of such compounds to the sole of the foot.

Other therapeutic compounds may be prescribed to persons for a varietyof reasons, including wound healing. By maintaining direct contact withthe therapeutic and the skin, the beneficial effects can become apparentin a shorter period of time. The present invention allows the wearer toeasily maintain this direct contact between therapeutics and othercompounds (including oils, ointments, lotions, etc.) applied and theskin of the sole of the foot, so that the full benefit of such compoundscan be realized.

Additionally, maintaining adequate circulation in the extremities isdifficult for certain groups of people such as those with diabetes orthose that are elderly. Poor circulation can have many ramificationssuch as the feet feeling cold, or going to “sleep”, or numbness that canmake the person unaware of injury to the foot. Increasing circulation inthe foot is advantageous to many persons.

Moreover, as compounds are applied to the foot, or as any sock is worn,bacteria may grow and cause further issues for the wearer. The presentinvention overcomes this disadvantage by being low cost, and disposable.Because the sock of the present invention is to be worn only one timefor a limited period, bacterial build up is not an issue. Moreover, onetime usage increases ease of use, as the wearer does not have to wash orreuse the sock.

Consequently, the disposable sock of the present invention addressesthese concerns and others. The liquid impermeable layer that may be madeof polyethylene is in contact with the sole of the foot increasescirculation in the foot, increases absorption of compounds applied tothe foot, and serves as a liquid-impermeable layer so that any compoundsapplied will not seep out of the sock. Polyethylene, as well as othermodern day materials that provide the liquid impermeable layeraccomplishes an effect that could not be realized by earlier socks (suchas Lewis in U.S. Pat. No. 2,664,087). The outer breathable layermaintains the positioning of the inner polyethylene layer, cools thefoot, is lightweight and comforts the wearer. The disposable nature ofthe sock decreases bacterial build up, and increases ease of use for thewearer.

As stated above, the present invention is inexpensive, disposable,lightweight and easy to manufacture. The present invention overcomes theshortcomings of prior products as it is advantageous to circulation, theapplication of compounds, and is cost effective. Still othermodifications and positions of these elements may be implemented, aswill be apparent to one skilled in the art.

One object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensivedisposable sock to increase circulation in the wearer's foot.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a disposablesock that comforts and supports the applications of a variety ofcompounds including, creams, oils, ointments, lotions, moisturizingagents, conditioners, botanicals and therapeutics that the wearer mayapply.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a disposablesock that provides for increased circulation, application of compoundsto the sole of the foot while providing a breathable upper portion forthe comfort of the wearer.

It is a further objective of the present invention to provide adisposable sock that is more effective and efficient to use than knownproducts and allows the wearer to discard after a brief, one-time, orlimited use.

It is a further objective of the present invention to provide adisposable sock that can be manufactured without contain latex and has abreathable portion that is comfortable and stretchable.

It is a further objective of the present invention to provide adisposable sock that does not suffer from high bacterial growth beforeit is disposed, and thus reduces the chance of infection.

It is a further objective of the present invention to provide adisposable sock that is appropriate for use in both domestic andinstitutional environments.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a disposablesock that is produced economically and appeals to a variety of marketsegments.

It is a further objective of the present invention to provide adisposable sock that can be worn comfortably alone, with footwear, orunder a sock as the wearer chooses.

It is a further objective of the present invention to provide adisposable sock that offers a sanitary foot product alternative forwearers.

Still other aspects of the present invention will become apparent tothose skilled in the art from the following description of a preferredembodiment, which is by way of illustration, one of the best modescontemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be realized, theinvention is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all withoutdeparting from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptionsare illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the accompanying advantages of thisinvention will become more readily appreciated as the same becomesunderstood by reference to the following detailed description, whentaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a rendering of the disposable sock from a verticalcross-section, according to one preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional rendering of the disposable sock from thesole of the foot, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed explanation of the present invention is described below.The described preferred embodiments are presented for the purpose ofillustration and description; they are not intended to limit the scopeof the present invention. As will be apparent to one skilled in the art,modifications to described elements below may be made without deviatingfrom the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of the disposable sock in a verticalcross-sectional view, according to one embodiment of the invention.Similarly, FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional rendering where the bottom, orsole, of the foot is highlighted. The reference numerals to the elementsof the invention remain constant in both figures.

The wearer's sole of their foot is in contact with a liquid impermeablelayer 10, which is adhered to the outer breathable portion 11 of thesock. The liquid impermeable layer 10 holds the application of a varietyof compounds including: creams, oils, ointments, lotions, moisturizingagents, conditioners, botanicals, and therapeutic compositions, indirect contact with the skin surface of the wearer when applied to thesole of the foot. This direct contact allows for concentrated treatmentof the skin by any such applied compounds. When used in this manner,according to one embodiment, the liquid impermeable layer 10, providesfor increased absorption relative to breathable material.

Moreover, the liquid impermeable layer 10 increases circulation to thefoot by stimulating the skin of the wearer. The liquid impermeable layer10 also improves skin condition, aids toxin removal, and improves theoverall health of the foot. The liquid impermeable layer 10 can bemanufactured from a variety of materials including: polyethylene,plastics, or other film material such as a thermoplastic elastomericpolyolefin polymer, as is known by those skilled in the art. The liquidimpermeable layer 10 is attached to the breathable layer 11 by anadhesive, thermal bonding, radio frequency bonding, ultrasonic bonding,or the like. The liquid impermeable layer 10 is attached to thebreathable layer 11 by an adhesive in the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. The liquid impermeable layer 10 can be in many shapesincluding oval, rectangular, or as the shape of the sole of the foot. Inthe preferred embodiment, the liquid impermeable layer 10 is the shapeof the underside of the foot and provides for a snug fit when worn bythe user.

The breathable layer 11 provides comfort to the wearer and allows excessheat to diffuse from the foot to limit excess stimulation of the sweatglands. The breathable layer 11 is manufactured from stretchable,breathable material that allows moisture to exit from the skin of thewearer. The material of the breathable layer 11 can be made from avariety of materials including, natural fabrics (i.e., cotton and thelike) or synthetic breathable materials such as nylon, nylon blends, andthe like. The breathable layer 11 encases the liquid impermeable layer10 and is designed to fit the contours of the foot without wrinkling orbunching around the area covered by the present invention. In oneembodiment, the material of the breathable layer 11 does not containlatex, which can be problematic for many users. The breathable layer 11has the ability to stretch to accommodate a variety of foot sizes, whilestill supporting the liquid impermeable layer 10.

The present invention also contains an upper elastic portion 12 thatsecures the upper portion of the sock to the wearer and is continuouswith the breathable layer 11. The elastic portion 12 may be manufacturedwith the same material as the breathable layer 11, or contain addedelastic materials such as synthetic or natural rubbers or tackymaterials that secure the disposable sock on the foot, without causingdiscomfort.

The length of the disposable sock of the present invention may be variedaccording to the preference of the wearer or contingent on the reasonfor use (i.e., therapeutic considerations). For instance the sock maystop at the ankle or be manufactured to the specifications of a crewstyle, mid-calf style, over-the-calf style, and the like. Thestretchable material of the breathable layer 11 provides addedflexibility to accommodate different leg sizes. Moreover, colorselections are not limited and may include white, black, orange, navy,green, light blue, pink, red, and beige.

The present invention can be worn on each foot, can be worn with orwithout shoes or other footwear (such as sandals or slippers), and canbe worn comfortably under socks or other materials the wearer may employ(such as foot braces, etc.). The wearer, or someone assisting thewearer, may apply a compound such as those described, to the bottom ofthe feet of the wearer before placing the disposable sock on each foot.The characteristics of the present invention will allow for increasedabsorbency of any compounds applied to the bottom of the foot, and canincrease circulation of the foot, leading to overall improved health ofthe user. After one use, the wearer removes the disposable sock anddiscards them to prevent the growth and spread of bacteria and otherinfectious materials.

1. A disposable sock adapted to transfer a compound from the interiorsurface of the disposable sock to the skin of a wearer of the disposablesock, the disposable sock comprising: an inner layer that is notpermeable to liquids and is in contact with the sole of the foot whenthe sock is worn by said wearer; an outer breathable layer that encasessaid inner layer and the foot of said wearer, said inner layer beingadhered to said outer layer; and a compound associated with at least aportion of the interior surface, wherein the inner layer is interposedbetween the composition and the outer layer, and the composition isinterposed between the skin of said wearer and the inner layer.
 2. Thedisposable sock of claim 1, wherein the inner layer that is notpermeable to liquids is made of polyethylene.
 3. The disposable sock ofclaim 1, wherein the inner layer is a shape comparable to the sole ofthe foot of said wearer.
 4. The disposable sock of claim 1, wherein theouter breathable layer is made of a nylon mesh material.
 5. Thedisposable sock of claim 1, wherein the outer breathable layerterminates in an elastic portion that secures the sock to the wearer atthe termination of the sock.
 6. The disposable sock of claim 1, whereinthe sock terminates at the ankle, calf, or middle calf of the wearer. 7.The disposable sock of claim 1, wherein the sock is adapted to bedisposed of after a single use.
 8. The disposable sock of claim 1,wherein said compound is absorbed into the skin of the sole of the footof said wearer at a rate more rapid than a user of the compound notwearing said disposable sock.
 9. The disposable sock of claim 1, whereinthe compound may be any oil, lubricant, lotion, cream, water, humectant,therapeutic, herbal remedy, or homeopathic remedy.
 10. A disposable sockcomprising an inner polyethylene layer that is in skin contact with atleast a portion of the sole of the foot and an outer breathable layerthat encases the inner layer, said inner layer being adhered to theouter layer, and said disposable sock increasing the circulation of thefoot of a wearer when the disposable sock is worn.
 11. The disposablesock of claim 10, wherein a compound may be applied to the sole of thefoot of said wearer such that said compound is interposed between theskin of the sole of the foot of said wearer and said inner layer andsaid compound is in direct contact with at least a portion of the skinof the sole of the foot of said wearer, said compound being absorbedinto the skin of the sole of the foot of said wearer at a rate morerapid than a user of the compound not wearing said disposable sock. 12.The disposable sock of claim 10, wherein the outer breathable layer ismade of a nylon mesh material.
 13. The disposable sock of claim 10,wherein the outer breathable layer terminates in an elastic portion thatsecures the sock to the wearer at the termination of the sock.
 14. Thedisposable sock of claim 10, wherein the inner layer is a shapecomparable to the sole of the foot of said wearer.
 15. A disposable sockcomprising an inner polyethylene layer that is in skin contact with atleast a portion of the sole of the foot and an outer breathable layerthat encases the inner layer, said inner layer being adhered to theouter layer, and said disposable sock increasing the circulation of thefoot of a wearer when the disposable sock is worn and where a compoundis applied to the sole of the foot of said wearer and said compound isinterposed between the skin of the sole of the foot of said wearer andthe inner layer, the absorption of said compound into the skin of thesole of the foot of said wearer at a rate more rapid than a user of thecompound not wearing said disposable sock.
 16. The disposable sock ofclaim 15, wherein the outer breathable layer is made of a nylon meshmaterial.
 17. The disposable sock of claim 15, wherein the outerbreathable layer terminates in an elastic portion that secures the sockto the wearer at the termination of the sock.
 18. The disposable sock ofclaim 15, wherein the inner layer is a shape comparable to the sole ofthe foot of said wearer.